Suncoast: Man convicted of killing a horse and grand theft
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
State Attorney’s Office
State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced yesterday that Eladio Garcia-Gasca was convicted of Killing a Horse and Grand Theft over $100,000. The crime(s) were committed on 12/2/2019 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The Defendant entered an Open Plea on 4/12/2023.
The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 45 years.
The minimum mandatory sentence is 1 Year Minimum Mandatory for Killing a Horse.
On 5/30/2023 – Sentencing Hearing Held – Sentenced to 10 Years in the Department of Corrections, followed by 10-years probation to repay $250,000 in restitution and to have no possession, care, custody, or control of any animal.
On December 2, 2019, the victims in this case arrived at their property to discover their beloved Halo was missing and a fence broken to enter and exit the property. After contacting the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the investigation, Halo was discovered across the street beheaded and dismembered. Halo’s head was found a few feet away, while a hind leg and the backstrap from Halo were removed and missing, presumably harvested for meat. Surveillance video from Halo’s barn showed an individual enter the property during the early morning hours with a flashlight and rope, and eventually shows the individual leaving the property with Halo in tow. Through their investigation, MSO was able to identify the suspect as Eladio Garcia Gasca. The case was set for trial on April 12, 2023, however the Defendant elected to enter a plea to the charge, and Sentencing was held on May 30, 2023, where the Defendant was sentenced to the above sentence.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Tyler Egbert commented, “I am pleased that the victims are finally able to close this chapter with justice for their beloved horse Halo. While no outcome can bring Halo back, I am hopeful that the sentence in this case brings a sense of relief and closure to help with the grief they are facing. This outcome would not have been possible without the hard work of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Their assistance ensures that we are able to provide a safe community not only for our residents, but for our beloved pets and animals alike.”
If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Tyler Egbert and Andrew van Sickle in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.